“Provoking Christian Insights” series

Part 20

Grappling with knowing God the Father and Jesus the Son.

Every one of us has to choose God, no god, or worldly gods that offer us temporary happiness. As I get older, I wonder what, if anything, that I can do to get individuals who have mad choices of “no god,” or “worldly gods,” to see that there is only one promise of eternal life.

The Pharisees therefore said to one another, “You see that you are not doing any good; look, the world has gone after Him.” John 12:19 NASB

I look at the arguments of commercial business taking the name of CHRIST out of Christmas because not everyone worships Jesus. I have a friend who uses every chance he gets to put Jesus in a “bone box” (Ousury) as a dead man. The Bible encourages me to flee from such a person, but maybe, just maybe, he might turn and accept Christ as his savior. Do you have any friends like that?

I said earlier that we are to preach Hell with tears streaming down our faces knowing the horror that awaits those who deny Christ. Some people feel that they can deal with their “forever” later. Often “later” comes too late. How many people have you known like this?

I don’t believe there is such a thing as “an occasional Christian” of the Christmas and Easter variety. You either believe or you don’t. You may want to believe but you won’t let yourself fully succumb to the Christian life. “I’m a good person,” you say. Some are taught there is no Hell … the Bible says there is.

Most of us have had a Nicodemus experience, afraid to be seen with Jesus. Scared, Nicodemus’ goal was to spend time with the Lord. If we want to spend quality time with the Lord we must take the time to find a way to do it. No schedule is more important.

Many have reasons to side-step God

Many with valid seeming reasons try to avoid a head-on collision with Jesus attending church only on special occasions or the holidays. Generally these are connected with experiences in their lives, or even church lives, that are truly traumatic. I hate to say this but some of the most irritating experiences in my life have come with Christians, or people who claim to be Christians. Yes, most of us can tell you that Christians, however well meaning they may be, can be cruel.

Some churches don’t preach what it is to be born again spiritually by the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Some congregations have devolved into being a social club. Some have been abused by over zealous family members who try to force them into church. Others may have suffered a personal tragedy that has put them at enmity with God.

There are real reasons why people don’t attend church. Often individuals carry their own personal grief so deep they question why a loving God would let their loved one die, or leave them. Some of these people are on a journey seeking to find answers in their own “safe” way, which isn’t safe at all.

Some people have been “educated” by non-believers, even universities, that couldn’t be happier if they didn’t find Jesus, or come to know Him as Savior. If your children are prepared by the time they graduate high school, the may easily fall victim selling evolution or humanistic thought at college or technical school.

There is a group of young people, I’m sure I was one of them, who want to build who they are and not be “drug” into things they are not ready to experience. “It’s my thing and I’ve got to experience it my way and in my time,” I felt. My faith was mine personally. Although baptized in 1949, I was out of the church after the military until I got married and my wife took me to my old church in a blizzard. It worked.

After a few weeks of holding my composure, I let go with tears streaming down my face that I couldn’t control. When God pricks your heart there is no stopping the love that you feel.

Some people rebel against God. Some are just hurt. Some have un-confessed sin issues and don’t wish to be with “the rest of the hypocrites.” I’ve heard that a lot. These folks would rather carry the garbage of life than get rid of it. Some folks just don’t understand what Christian faith is all about.

Lastly, there are people who just spoof the claim of Jesus Christ as Lord and won’t let Him into their life. Jesus “just ain’t happenin’ for them.” Worse, some just go back to their old lifestyles.

Like Nicodemus of old, if you make time for Jesus, He’ll make time for you. Slip away from those other voices, get up in the still of the night, and go sit with Him. Nicodemus came humble and unassuming. Empty yourself. Have ears to hear.

If you have the desire to go after God, sake the pride, lose the intellect and get rid of the attitude. Evangelist Steve Hill says, “Come to Jesus empty enough for Him to have the room to fill you. If you desire to go after God, you don’t have to have all the answers…

Begin by being honest about the questions lurking deep inside your heart. Don’t allow the devil to sidetrack the issue. You‘re going after the Creator of the universe! Let nothing stand in your way . Your times of communion will be sweet treasures that will change your life forever.”

“He that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” Matthew 10:39.

INSPIRATION: “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We bought to obey God rather than men.” Acts 5:29.

Write: croneis@earthlink.net